Tile Calculator Guide: Floor and Wall Tile Takeoff with Waste
Calculate the number of tiles, square footage, mortar, and grout needed for floor and wall tile installations.
Measuring area and selecting tile size
Multiply room length by width to determine net surface area. When tiles are laid in a standard grid, add 10% waste. If tiles are laid on a diagonal pattern, increase the waste factor to 15% or 20% due to additional triangular cuts along walls.
Convert all measurements to consistent units (inches, feet, centimeters, or meters) before calculating individual tile coverage.
Estimating mortar and grout
Thinset mortar quantity depends on trowel notch size and subfloor flatness. Grout requirements depend on tile dimensions, thickness, and joint width.
Ordering extra tiles for future repairs
Always keep a box of leftover tiles stored securely. Dye lots can change between manufacturing runs, making exact matches difficult years later.
- Measure length and width accurately.
- Add 10% waste for straight lays, 15% to 20% for diagonal layouts.
- Account for grout line width in tile spacing.
- Store attic stock from the same production dye lot.